My two cats don't get along. What can I do?

Question

I've had Venus (female) for 7 years. About 3 1/2 years ago we got Roxy (also female). They are both spayed. They have never gotten along. Since the day Roxy was a kitten and first came to our home, she has terrorized Venus and Venus won't come out of my bedroom or out from under my bed.

It's been so long, I thought that they would resolve it by now. I feel so bad for Venus.

Last night, there was another cat fight at 3AM. Roxy chasing Venus out from under the bed into the living room, etc.

The cats each have their own litter box and food, but Roxy won't eat hers, she goes into the bedroom to eat Venus' and uses Venus' litter box instead of her own also. She's a big bully to Venus. With us, the humans, she's so sweet and fun. We just love her to death.

Should I give Venus to someone else? I adopted her when she was only 2 days old (her mother was ran over by a car) and I bottle fed her. I'm her mother! I don't want to give her away, but I also don't want her to be terrorized for her whole life and never come out from under the bed!

Answer 1

The web site below has an article on cats that don't get on, with suggestions on ways in which you may be able to improve their relationship.  It also has a check list which may help you decide if one of the cats needs to be re-homed.

http://www.celiahaddon.co.uk/pet%20probl...

This web site also has helpful advice on inter-cat conflict.

http://wizz-catz.co.uk/multicat.html

Years ago I adopted 2 kittens from the same litter and they never really got on.  The male used to bully his sister and as they grew older, they simply avoided each other.  When he died, his sister showed no signs of missing him at all.  If anything, she became more confident and outgoing.  When I asked my vet about it, he said it's not uncommon for a timid cat's personality to blossom once a more dominant cat is no longer around to intimidate them.

You know these cats better than anyone, and only you can really make the decision on what's best for both of them.  Personally, if it comes to it, I would re-home Roxy.  I realise that you love her very much, but Venus was there first and it's not her fault that she's being bullied by the additional cat that you brought home.  Being an older cat she may have a harder time being adopted, and if she is naturally timid, she may not settle well in a new home.

It's a difficult decision to make, so I hope that everything works out for the best for all concerned.

Answer 2

Put Roxy in a seperate room once and a while so Venus can come out from under the bed.

Answer 3

its not venus's fault!!! omg don't get rid of her get rid of roxy!!!!!!! just don't get rid of venus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...